ROBERT J. MUELLER

ELECTED: NOVEMBER, 1981

FREEPORT, BAHAMAS

INDUCTED: NOVEMBER, 1982

NASHVILLE, TN

BOB MUELLER, ONE OF THE ORIGINAL FOUNDERS AND FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE USSSA, WAS THE FIRST PERSON INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME IN THE SPECIAL CATEGORY.

A NATIVE OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, MUELLER CALLED A MEETING IN COVINGTON, KENTUCKY IN 1967 TO FORM A NEW SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION. MUELLER WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT AT THE SECOND MEETING OF THE USSSA AND HELD THE POSITION FROM 1967-1971.

MUELLER LED THE ASSOCIATION THROUGH MANY HARD TIMES WITH LITTLE FINANCIAL SUPPORT. DURING THAT PERIOD, HIS AGGRESSIVE PERSONALITY AND UNUSUAL CHARACTERISTICS ALLOWED THE USSSA TO SURVIVE AND BECOME THE ASSOCIATION IT IS TODAY.

AS PRESIDENT, MUELLER INTRODUCED THE LOGO, BEARING USSSA NO.1, THAT IS STILL USED TODAY.

MUELLER GUIDED THE USSSA THROUGH WHAT HE CALLED THE ROCKY PHASE I PERIOD OF THE ASSOCIATION. BECAUSE OF HIS HARD WORK, THE USSSA WAS ABLE TO SURVIVE AGAINST TREMENDOUS ODDS AND HAVE THE CHANCE TO DEVELOP INTO WHAT IT IS TODAY.